Two Virginia Beach Police Officers Killed During Traffic Stop

Two Virginia police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop late Friday night, officials confirmed in a statement. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Beach Police Department

Feb. 22 (UPI) — Two Virginia police officers were shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop late Friday night, officials confirmed in a statement.

“We are devastated to confirm the deaths of two of our officers, who were shot in the line of duty late last night,” the Virginia Beach Police Department said on Facebook

Virginia Beach Police Department Chief Paul Neudigate and Mayor Bobby Dyer are scheduled to hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. EST Saturday to update the situation.

The department has not yet named the two fallen officers while it works to notify their families.

Authorities said there was no threat to the community but did not say if a suspect had been identified or taken into custody.

“We are unable to share much information at this time as this is still very much an active investigation. However, we want to assure the community that there is no active threat,” the department said in the statement.

“We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to put the pieces of this tragic event together, make notifications, and grieve the loss of two of our own.”

The two officers were conducting a traffic stop around 11:30 p.m. EST Friday, near an apartment complex, according to local news reports.

Condolences came pouring in Saturday.

“We send our prayers to the officers’ families, our brothers and sisters at VBPD, and everyone affected by this tragic situation,” the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office said on X, calling the situation “heartbreaking.”

“The Suffolk Police Department mourns with the VBPD in the loss of two police officers. During this difficult time, please keep the family, friends, and coworkers of the officers in your thoughts and prayers,” the Suffolk Police Department said on X.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two heroic Virginia Beach police officers who were tragically killed in the line of duty last night,” Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., who represents Virginia Beach, said on X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the Virginia Beach police department, and the law enforcement community.”

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